DianSheng MSCUBE MS3-V1 M Standard

DianSheng MSCUBE MS3-V1 M Standard

The MS3-V1 M was the first cube from the MsCUBE brand. It came out in early 2021 and was designed by a former GAN engineer, which shows in its look and in some of its design choices. In 2022 the brand was taken over by DianSheng, hence the current name. The DianSheng MSCUBE MS3-V1 M Standard is a 3x3 magnetic cube with a distinctly tactile character. It also offers plenty of adjustment options, but setting it up takes a bit of patience.

How it turns

The cube has a crunchy, tactile feel and noticeable flex. You can clearly feel every move in your fingers, and the layers are not overly stiff. Users praise its corner cutting. The manufacturer specifies about 55° of corner cutting and about 30° of reverse corner cutting. Straight out of the box the MS3-V1 tends to be quiet but fairly slow. Most cubers notice that it speeds up considerably after breaking in and lubing. This is a cube that needs some time before it shows what it can do.

Standard or Enhanced?

Both versions share the same mechanism. The difference is the magnet layout. The Standard version has only the classic magnets between edges and corners. The Enhanced version gets additional magnets between centers and edges, which makes the magnetic feel slightly stronger and more even. However, these extra magnets sit deep near the core, so according to reviewers the difference is not big. That makes the Standard a lighter-feeling option for people who don't like a strong "pull" between the layers.

Design and adjustment

• "Spider-web" pattern on the contact surfaces of the pieces and spherical dimples in the edges that help hold the lube longer.
• Tension adjustment in the core with a dial that compresses the spring. It works on a similar principle to the GES system in GAN cubes.
• Interchangeable springs of different stiffness, so you can set the cube up more for speed or more for control.

At first the adjustment system may seem complicated. Once you've set it up, though, it usually stops being a problem.

Who is it for?

For cubers who like a tactile feel and have the time to set up the cube themselves. The MS3-V1 M also works well as an interesting model for your collection. It is an older design without core magnets. If you're looking for a stable, modern cube you can set up quickly, a newer Ball-Core model is usually a better fit. For a child's first cube, it's better to choose a simpler magnetic model without advanced adjustment.

Specifications

• Type: 3x3 magnetic cube
• Brand: MsCUBE (DianSheng)
• Version: Standard (edge-corner magnets)
• Size: 55.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 79 g
• Adjustment: dial in the core, interchangeable springs
• Color: Black
• Release: January 2021